Poor purchasing etiquette

[Zoaelite]

Originally Posted by kien

Another sad story.. so 10 years ago I lent this guy my fish trap. For the sake of keeping his identity private I shall call him, "Levi". He told me countless times that he'd return my fish trap. To this day I am still without a fish trap..

I feel it a better move on my behalf to have the ability to "Black Mail" you for said fish trap, it should make for a hefty ransom one day.

Said fish trap is also becoming vintage in the back of my automobile, I think you should thank me for keeping it safe and collectible. Not many reefers would perform such a arduous task for such a shady character .

[AJ_77]

It's imposible to know this many people well enough to trust them. Our first "organized" Calgary reefers meeting in 2002 had six people. We became buds, easy enough. I was given as much stuff as I bought from that group, which grew to about 20 or so. We thought that was pretty cool.

Now I know there are many excellent hobbyists in Calgary that I haven't even met. I see their constructive/witty/helpful posts and it makes me glad the community is doing well. There's a ton of positive interaction. There are also douchebags, but what are ya gonna do? Just be careful out there...

I find helpful the posts where a member requests information on doing business with a certain party, and by PM they receive all KINDS of advice, from those with experience.

[fishoholic]

I'm not sure I should say anything but I'm finding I can't help myself. While I don't agree with low ballets etc I have to say karma sucks eh?

When I first got into this hobby and I didn't know much of anything marcingo (the OP) sold me a 30g cube tank and stand and a MH light. I was told it was all in good condition only to show up and see the tank had lots of scratches in it and the stand was also in rough shape not horrible but not "good" either. The MH light was awful I was under the impression that it was a store bought light and in good working condition. It was a DIY light that looked like a total fire hazard it had wires hanging out all over the place and was the worst MH light I have ever seen to this day in this hobby. I had agreed to the deal over pm's and felt like I couldn't back out since we had already made a deal and I did want the tank and stand however I was told it was a package deal and I had to buy it all or nothing. I honestly have never felt so ripped off and so bitter about a sale in this hobby as I felt with that sale. I ended up having to re-wire the whole MH light just for it to be safe to use

[The Grizz]

Originally Posted by Slick Fork

My favourite is when you're trying to sell and someone says "What's the lowest you'll take?".... I always have to stifle the urge to snap back with "What's the most you'll pay "

Don't fight that urge Chris, I wouldn't even think twice about spitting that out myself.

[Skimmerking]

Or I only have this much to give you , Well I only have a middle finger back to give you.

[mark]

I've had people show up short and just find it amazing. Also had the no shows (even when free) and though it bothers me to do so, now it's first come first served type thing (I'll make it know up front). Other thing, if you say you'll show up at 2:00, you're taking your chances showing up at 4:00 expecting me to be home.

Gotten to the point flushing xenia and macro is just easier.

[fencer]

Mark that is one of the reasons why I will only sell at the reefers meetings

[The Grizz]

Originally Posted by fencer

Mark that is one of the reasons why I will only sell at the reefers meetings

Or to me

[reefermadness]

Some people are just plain rude and selfish. I was going to type more but really thats all it boils down too.

I have to say I respect everyone who thinks this type of behavior is appalling.

I would also like to say that I'm thankful that I have meet way more good people in this hobby than bad.

[intarsiabox]

It's not only the buyers that are the problem but lots of sellers too. Advertising items in mint condition when they are piles of crap. Not home at arranged times. Agreeing to a pick up time and then selling it to someone else before the agreed to time, which sadly some people think is ok. When I make an agreement with someone I always hold up my end, unfortunately some feel that they only need to keep their word if it's convenient. I also don't see the big deal if someone gives an initial lowball offer, people do realize that they don't have to respond, right? Trying to reduce the price after one has already been agreed upon is a different story however and I wouldn't tolerate it from anyone. This all being said, I have found most people on canreef to be great people to deal with and learned to never bring my wife because she ends up getting mad at me because it takes 3 hours of chat time to pick a fish or coral! So in the end I still won't hesitate to deal with fellow canreefers and think the bad apples are the vast minority.